The simple slice of toast is one way a Devon charity is bringing people together in Sidmouth.

Westbank Community Health and Care is encouraging residents to see old friends and meet new ones at either its Men’s Toast Club or Walk and Talk events.

The Men’s Toast Club, at Twyford House in Coburg Road, gives chaps the chance to enjoy a light-hearted catch up over a slice or two of toast.

The club started yesterday (Thursday), and the next session will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday., December 14.

Toast is 25p, drinks start from 75p and transport can be arranged for those who would struggle to get there otherwise.

Sarah Forde, Westbank Healthy Neighbourhoods project manager, said: “This is a great opportunity for men in the Sidmouth area – it’s a fun and sociable group. Come and join us for a cuppa and a slice of toast.”

For those who would prefer to get more active then Sidmouth Walk and Talk could be the perfect activity. This is a grade-one walk on flat or gently sloping ground with no steps or stiles. This friendly group meets opposite the Sidmouth Lifeboat station every other Tuesday at 2pm for an approximately 30-minute walk. The next walk is on Tuesday, November 21.

Westbank have also launched Neighbourhood Friends in Sidmouth and are looking to recruit people who want to volunteer but are unable to make a regular time commitment.

Volunteers are called upon to help people who live in their communities on an ‘as and when basis’ for example to help with shopping for someone who has just been discharged from hospital.

Volunteer Sue Cann said: “It is such a rewarding experience, the flexible approach means that I can do as little or as much as I choose, which fits in brilliantly with my lifestyle, and I also get to meet some lovely people.”

Westbank Healthy Neighbourhoods is the development and roll-out of a range of community-led health and wellbeing activities in East and Mid Devon. Focused on preventative approaches, it is led by what matters to people in their communities, complements existing provision and is facilitated, further developed and sustained by the involvement of volunteers.

For more information or to volunteer, call the volunteering team on 01392 824752, then choose option 2, 2.